Hi! I’m Nickie, a junior at Cornell majoring in Agricultural Sciences with a concentration in business and minors in global development and education. I’m from a small potato-farming town in northern Maine, and I love talking about agriculture, campus life, and making the most of your time at Cornell. Whether you’re into CALS, rural life, or just want a real student’s perspective, I’d love to show you around!

Hometown

Mars Hill, Maine, United States

Major(s)

Agricultural Sciences

Minor(s)

Education Global Development

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Agriculture Future of America (Member) Cornell Agriculture and Life Sciences Peer Advisor (On-Campus Job) Cornell University Dairy Science (Member) Cornell University Farm Bureau (Member) Cornell University Agriculture Science (Peer Mentor) Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority (President) Team Agriculture Education at Cornell University (President)

Describe your college experience

Starting college was definitely a mix of excitement and nerves. I had to learn how to manage my time, make new friends, and adjust to being completely independent. It was not always easy, and there were definitely moments when I felt overwhelmed. But overall, my experience at Cornell has been incredibly positive. For the first time in my life I have taken academically applicable, challenging classes and connected with professors who truly care about my growth as a student. Traveling is one of my greatest passions, and Cornell has offered so many opportunities for me to explore the world through hands-on learning. Thanks to clubs and campus activities, I have met some of the best friends I could ask for. These past few years have been full of personal and academic growth which continues to shape me into the person I want to be.

Tip for future students

There’s no textbook or class that can truly teach you how to manage your time. It is something every first-year student, myself included, has to figure out through experience. For the first time, no one is there to tell you what to do or when to do it, which can be both freeing and overwhelming. The key is to find a system that works for you. Whether that’s color-coding a Google Calendar, writing everything in a planner, or doing laundry at midnight when the machines are finally free. Don’t fall into the trap of overbooking yourself; leave room to breathe, rest, and reset. Finding balance is what will make your college experience sustainable and enjoyable.

Favorite class

My favorite class at Cornell has been ANSC 3160: Dairy Study Trip to Italy. I discovered this opportunity through friends in the Cornell University Dairy Science Club, who encouraged me to get involved. Despite having no background in dairy and not coming from a dairy farm, the club welcomed me with open arms. This course gave me the incredible opportunity to travel to Italy with some of my closest friends while learning firsthand about Italian dairy production, cuisine, history, and culture. It was an unforgettable experience that combined academic learning with cultural exploration in the best way possible.

Career goals

While I am still exploring the wide range of career possibilities, I am eager to continue my education by pursuing a master’s degree and eventually a PhD. My interests lie at the intersection of education, crop health, and business​/​law, and I look forward to deepening my knowledge and skills in these areas.

Ideal way to spend a free night

Every college student needs a social life, and I have been lucky to find mine in the agriculture community. My ideal night is nothing fancy, just spending time with my closest friends, whether we are cooking, playing cards, driving around with music blasting, or laughing at something that probably isn’t that funny. It is the kind of easy, genuine fun that makes a long day feel lighter. Even though Cornell is a big campus, finding your people makes it feel a lot smaller. I am really grateful I have found my group that makes me feel like I belong.

High school or secondary school

Central Aroostook Jr​/​Sr High School, Mars Hill, Maine